Engine: Blaise Matuidi, surrounded by three Nigerians, was a livewire in central midfield

Fortunate: Matuidi was fortunate to only be shown a yellow card after a nasty tackle on Ogenyi Onazi

Surely, the French would have been down to 10 men if referee Mike Geiger had the benefit of a TV replay.

Efe Ambrose has been a mainstay of Nigeria's defence during the World Cup.

And perhaps we'll be hearing more about him next season.

His performances have alerted a number of Premier League clubs, including Crystal Palace and Leicester.

He currently plays for Scottish champions Celtic.

Impressive: Efe Ambrose, of Celtic and Nigeria, was excellent at right-back as Nigeria put up a brave fight

Eyes on the prize: Paul Pogba (left) scored in the 79th minute for France from a corner vs Nigeria

Joseph Yobo made his 10th World Cup appearance in Brasilia, a new Nigerian record.

But the centre-half, who spent the back end of last season on loan at Norwich from Fenerbache, won't remember his red-letter day with much fondness as his side crashed out of the tournament and scored an own goal to boot.

Yohan Cabaye's brilliant half-volley in the second half that rattled off the Nigerian crossbar was the sixth time France have hit the woodwork during the World Cup - the most of any other team.

Up for it: Pogba (right) rises high at the back post to score for France at the Estadio Nacional